Classic Movie Remakes: Remakes that Did the Originals Justice
Ever since the glorious rise of Hollywood, there have always been films that stood head and shoulders above the rest. Whether through the ensemble cast, the fantastic cinematography, the set design, or all of the above, these films from all genres continue to stand the test of time and inspire remakes. Doing remakes is always challenging because the expectation is to repeat what’s already been done. While on the other hand, try reinventing the wheel to add a new twist to the classics. These films find a way to strike that strategic balance.
Scarface: From the 1930s to the 1980s
When you first think about the legendary film Scarface, the iconic scenes with Al Pacino under Brian DePalma’s direction typically come to mind. However, it takes true movie buffs to know that the 80s film was a remake from 1932. The 1932 Scarface version was directed by Howard Hawks, and Ben Hecht wrote the screenplay.
The original Scarface film centers on the main character, Antonio “Tony” Camonte, a bloodthirsty gangster who rises through the criminal ranks in Chicago. Considered exceptionally violent for its time, the film chronicles Tony’s bloody rise to the top and his violent downfall.
Of course, the 1983 remake was so epic that only true movie buffs remember the original 1932 film. With the 80s, much more visible on-screen violence was allowed, and on-screen sexual content, two hallmarks that continue to make the Scarface remake stand out over the original.
A Star Is Born: And Continues to Be Born
When you first mention the title “A Star Is Born,” chances are the 1976 film starring Barbara Streisand normally comes to mind. However, you might be shocked to know that the original version was in 1937. Actually, A Star Is Born was so popular that it has since been remade in 1954. However, the version that really sticks in moviegoers’ hearts is the 1976 one starring musical legends Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. Streisand stars as Esther Hoffman, who soars to the top of the music industry. However, as Esther rises, her romantic relationship with her manager, played by Kristofferson, suffers, as does his shine in the spotlight.
You guessed it. In 2018, A Star Is Born was remade and rereleased to the public. This time, Lady Gaga stars as the troubled and charismatic singer Ally, a gifted singer and songwriter with personal demons. Bradley Cooper also stars as Jackson Maine, a talented singer who is personally struggling himself. After discovering Ally, the troubled couple falls in love. However, as Ally’s stock rises, Jackson begins to fall out of the spotlight.
The Italian Job: A Luxurious Heist
Famous not only for its grand heist plot, the original Italian Job film was equally famous for its incredible sense of style and fantastic use of the Mini Cooper. The 1969 version stars Michael Caine, a British crime mastermind who wants to rob highly guarded vaults in Turin of its gold. Throughout the film, we are treated to excellent car chase scenes starring the Mini Cooper. To conclude, to say that the ending to the original Italian Job was a cliffhanger would be an understatement. The gold and their lives literally titer in the balance.
In the 2003 version, an All-Star cast led by Mark Wahlberg stars in the grand gold hest. Charlie Theron also stars in the remake, Edward Norton and Jason Statham. Wahlberg stars as Charlie Croker, a mastermind determined to rob the vault in Venice of its gold. Unlike the original version, the 2003 remake features many more plot twists, including betrayal and personal relationships.
Ocean’s Eleven: An Entertaining Heist That’s Worth The Gamble
The original Ocean’s Eleven stars Frank Sinatra as Danny Ocean, the leader of a sophisticated group of thieves. Also starring along Sinatra is a star-studded cast, including the original Rat Pack with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. As Danny Ocean, Frank Sinatra organizes a group of eleven sophisticated thieves to rob the biggest casinos on New Year’s Eve.
Wildly entertaining, the original Ocean’s Eleven remains a hit among fans of the classic caper due to its stylish cinematography and timely humor. In the remake, George Clooney stars as Danny Ocean. Like the original film, the 2001 remake also features an ensemble cast starring Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Bernie Mac. Just as fun as watching the crew rob one casino on the Vegas Strip after another is the amazing sense of friendship and humor. The Ocean’s Eleven remake was so successful that it produced two other highly successful sequels.
